The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-10-01

ing in front of the pulpit, his benev-
olent features beaming with pleasure,
the Vice-president received the cordial
greetings of the entire congregation.
The reception lasted for about twenty
minutes, and at the close, Hon. Mr..
Deering invited the members of the
Convention to reception in honor of
Mr.. Hamlin, at his home in the after
noon.
Rev. DR.. Demarest on Denominational Work,
Rev. DR.. Demarest addressed the Conven-
ton, expressing his regret that he could
not remain through the appointed time, be-
ing necessitated by his duties to hurry home.
He commended several topics to considera-
ton. l. The Universalist General Conven-
ton, which he represented, is the represent
alive of the Universalist church of America,
and is the only Convention among us which
is changed in all its parts annually. 1t is not
a body foreign to the Universalists of Iowa.
They are all within it, and it does their work.
The same is true of the Iowa Convention.
While the first duty may be to the parish.
duty only begins there; and the Universalists
of Iowa are under moral obligation to sus-
tain the work of both the Iowa and the Cen
eral Conventions. The work done by these
is the same as that done by parishes in
narrower field: the promotion of the princi-
pies, precepts and practice of the Univers-
alist faith among men, and every Univers-
alist in Iowa is bound to give these broader
agencies the means of successful prosecution
of the missionary work of the Universalist
church. 2. The management of parish af-
fairs by those in charge is often most unwise.
This is especially evident in the case of such
as are frequently permitted to become dor
mant, or rather, to suspend animation. No
business could be carried on with frequent
Interruptions. The customers would go else
where. So with Interruptions of regular par
ish work. If caused by debt, it may be said
that there is no excuse, save in rare emer-
gencies, for parish debts. 1t may possibly
be wise, in few instances, to build churches
with limited debt; but it is never justifiable
to be in debt for current expenses. The ex-
penses ought to be all provided for, year by
year; at the beginning. The parish ought to
know, then, whence the moneys are to come
which shall promptly meet the obligations.
Either secure the income necessary for the
expected expenditure, or reduce the ex-
penses. g. Especially ought the church prop
erty, purchased with the gifts of the faithful
and generous, never to be jeoparded by shift
less management and parish debt. Such
property is trust from the donors, and
ought never to be wasted. Its future diver
sion to secular or other interests ought to be
prevented by taking title through the State
Convention. The process and effects we're
described by the speaker, as set forth in an
appendix to the reports of the Board of
Trustees of the General Convention for 1866
and 1866. 4. Reference was briefly made to
the need of new recruits for the ministry,
which are to be had through the influence of
a more aggressive proclamation, the Univers-
alist faith, and the leading of more young men
to an interest in the work of the church. 5. The
speaker urged as specially needful for Iowa
a series of Conferences to be held by two
ministers, if no more can be conveniently
had, in each of any number of districts of
the State.
CONTINUED ON FIFTH PAGE,